An Australian town's innovative rubbish filtering system is impressing people across the globe for its simple way of reducing river pollution. Two drainage nets were installed on a trial basis in Kwinana, 38km south of Perth, in an attempt to reduce waste seeping through the town's drainage system. Photographs of the bizarre-looking contraption have been posted online, with eco-activists hailing the project as 'genius'.One person called it a 'giant pollution teabag'.' This seems like an inexpensive solution,' another person said. However, some people were quick to point out their risks. 'Imagine if you were stuck in the sewage tunnels frantically being chased down and finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.. only to get trapped in a huge a** net stuck with nasty a** garbage.'
The nets were placed on the outlet of two drainage pipes, which were located between residential areas and natural areas. During the six-month trial 370kg of rubbish and debris were trapped in the netting. Mayor Carol Adams said the drainage systems had been successful. 'The nets capture gross pollutants carried by stormwater from the local road network before those pollutants are discharged and contaminate the natural environment at the downstream end of the outlet area.
'This ensures that the habitat of the local wildlife is protected and minimises the risk of wildlife being caught in the nets.' The nets were able to be lifted and emptied by the city council's staff directly into a truck by machinery, she said. The waste was then transported to a sorting facility which processes the waste and converts the green waste to mulch and separates the recyclable and non-recyclable materials. The project cost $20,000 and included design, manufacturing and installation. The council has identified three additional locations for more nets to be installed in future.